Transvestites speak up

The local Association of Transvestites (Hiwaria Jakarta) is protesting the authorities' clamp down against their members who are working the streets of Jakarta, saying, that instead of chasing them out, they should give transvestites the chance to contribute to the success of the APEC meeting.

The association, in a statement signed by its chairperson Myna and secretary Deasy Akmala, said some of its members have been rounded up in a recent swoop. It believes that the operation was connected with the hosting of the APEC meeting.

"We reject the notion that just because we're transvestites we should be denied the right to participate in the APEC meeting," it said, adding that the association could provide up to 100 of its members, carefully selected for their ability to converse in English, as well as their manners. They will all be issued with health certificates.

The association pointed out that some of the APEC delegates come from countries where homosexuality is widely accepted. (emb)